Mold Design Process
Twin Mold and Engineering has been designing plastic injection molds since 2004. Designing each mold and its various components represents a highly technical and complex process that requires high precision and engineering know-how to produce top-quality parts.
Step 1
Twin Mold and Engineering has an established mold design process. Step 1 is Feasibility and Manufacturability Design, tooling, materials, manufacturing, quality engineers, and lab technicians work together to determine product specifications, mold component functionality, mold materials, operational constraints, and any needed product enhancements and improvements.
The team looks for any potential problems in part tolerance that might result in poor steel conditions or require special tooling features such as lifters, slides, and threading/unthreading. The physical and chemical properties of the selected resin are also evaluated so that the proper mold steel can be selected and mold cooling be reviewed. Mold flow evaluation is also undertaken to determine the best type of gate and gate locations, in addition to determining proper vent locations.
Manufacturability review includes confirmation of standard plastic design practices and incorporation of tooling details to create the most robust design possible. Tooling specifications and tooling sources are finalized and purchased component sources qualified. A comprehensive process failure mode effects analysis (PFMEA) is also completed.
Step 2
Step 2 is actual Design. Preliminary 3D design models are constructed to determine mold sides and steel sizes. Once these are reviewed and approved, the detailed design is finalized.
Step 3
Twin Mold and Engineering’s Step 3 is Final Design Specifications. Final design adjustments and modifications are done in-house, with special attention given to manufacturability and critical dimensional requirements. Detailed tool drawings are completed, and construction standards are reviewed and verified for approval.